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Classic American Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary is a storied American brunch staple and renowned hangover cure, said to have originated in the 1920s at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris before cementing its place stateside. A vibrant marriage of vodka and tangy tomato juice is elevated by horseradish’s heat, Worcestershire’s savory depth, Tabasco’s fire and a pinch of black pepper and smoked paprika. Rimming the glass with celery salt brings an aromatic brine that greets every sip. Fresh lemon and lime juice add brightness, while a skewer of green olives, a crisp celery stalk and a parsley sprig lend a rustic, garnish-forward charm. Served over ice in a salt-rimmed pint glass, its ruby-red hue and layered flavors make it as photogenic as it is restorative. Whether you’re hosting a lazy weekend brunch or need a revitalizing morning-after pick-me-up, mastering this cocktail means unlocking one of mixology’s most versatile icons.

Beverage | Brunch | American | Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Bloody Mary | Cocktail Shaker | Pint Glass | Sieve | Skewer | Horseradish | Tomato Juice | Vodka | Worcestershire sauce | Shaking | Straining | Weekend | Under 15 Minutes
Time to complete

Prep

5min

Cook

0 minutes

Wait

0 minutes

Total

5min

Ingredients (Makes 1 cocktail)

Celery salt

  • Celery salt

Ingredients

  • 1 lemon wedge (≈1/6 lemon; 2.5 cm)
  • 1 lime wedge (≈1/6 lime; 2.5 cm)
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) vodka
  • 4 ounces (120 ml) tomato juice
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) prepared horseradish
  • 2 dashes Tabasco sauce
  • 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pinch ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch smoked paprika

For Serving/Garnishing

  • Parsley sprig
  • 2 green olives, speared
  • 1 lime wedge
  • 1 celery stalk
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 20
  • Fat: 0
  • Protein: 0.5
  • Carbohydrates: 4
  • Fiber: 0.1
Directions

Prepare the Glass

  • 1. Pour celery salt onto a small plate. Rub the cut side of a lemon or lime wedge around the rim of a pint glass.

Rim & Chill

  • 2. Dip the glass rim into the celery salt until coated. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.

Build the Cocktail

  • 3. In a shaker, squeeze in the lemon and lime wedges, then drop them in. Add vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, smoked paprika and a pinch of celery salt.

Mix & Strain

  • 4. Add ice to the shaker and shake gently for 5–10 seconds to chill and combine.

Garnish & Serve

  • 5. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a parsley sprig, two green olives on a skewer, a lime wedge and a celery stalk.
Cookix's Secrets

Bloody Maria

  • Swap vodka for tequila for a smoky, agave-driven twist.

Chill Everything

  • Pre-chill glassware, vodka and tomato juice in the fridge for a crisper, colder cocktail.

Green Mary

  • Blend in tomatillo juice instead of tomato juice and garnish with cucumber ribbons and cilantro.

Salt Rim

  • Use a mixture of celery salt and coarse sea salt for extra texture and flavor on the rim.

Smoky Bloody

  • Use mezcal instead of vodka and add a drop of chipotle hot sauce for a smoky kick.

Spice Level

  • Adjust Tabasco and horseradish amounts to dial in your preferred heat—start mild and increase gradually.

Tomato Quality

  • Choose a low-sodium, high-quality tomato juice or make your own for the freshest flavor.

Virgin Mary

  • Omit vodka, increase tomato juice to 6 ounces (180 ml) and add extra lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version.